Date: 03/07/2012

TI’s multi-cell, multi-chemistry battery gas gauge for lithium batteries

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced the multi-cell battery management gas gauge circuit. TI claims that the bq34z100 power management chip is the first gas gauge in the industry to support a wide range of lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistries in 2- to 16-cell battery packs.

The device extends the battery run-time in applications like medical instruments, power tools, e-bikes and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

The bq34z100 battery gauge leverages TI’s proprietary Impedance Track technology, which utilizes charge voltage measurements, battery characteristics and properties to determine a battery's state-of-health and maintain up to a 94-percent accurate capacity measurement for the entire life of the battery. The circuit also works independently of series-cell configuration, and can reduce power consumption through an external voltage translation circuit.

The multi-chemistry fuel gauge for lithium-based batteries is available now in a 14-lead, 5 x 6 mm TSSOP package, priced at $2.10 in quantities of 1,000.

The evaluation module bq34z100EVM is also available.

TI also plans to introduce new gauges this year to support lead acid, nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride chemistries.